THE KEY
Thank you, young writers!
Entries for The Key are now closed. Thank you to everyone who shared their imagination and stories with us. Judging is now underway.
Where will the key take you?
Young writers from the UK and around the world were invited to put their imaginations to work and create an original short story for the first Clifton Young Writers Competition.
We’re looking forward to reading your stories. Results will be announced here on Monday 16 November 2026, celebrating our winners, runners-up and highly commended writers.
Two chances to shine
Ages 8–11
For young writers aged 8–11 from around the world.
Ages 12–14
For young writers aged 12–14 from around the world.
Celebrate brilliant young writers
Winner
£25 National Book Token (or international equivalent), story published on our website and a winner’s certificate.
Runner-Up
Story published on our website and a runner-up certificate.
Highly Commended
Three writers in each category receive a certificate and recognition on the winners’ page.
The next chapter
Reading
Every eligible story will be read with care.
Judging
Stories will be judged in the two age categories using the published criteria.
Results
Return here on Monday 16 November to discover the results.
Competition rules
- Entry is free and open internationally to young writers aged 8–14. Category One is ages 8–11; Category Two is ages 12–14.
- Submit one original story of no more than 500 words inspired by The Key. The title is not included in the word count.
- Entries must be the young writer’s own work. Adults may help with spelling or typing, but generative AI must not write or rewrite the story.
- One entry is permitted per young writer. Entries close at 11.59pm UK time on Sunday 1 November 2026.
- A parent, guardian or authorised teacher must submit the entry with the necessary permission.
- Stories will be judged by Ben J. Henry on creativity, storytelling, language and overall impression, with the writer’s age taken into account. The judge’s decision is final.
- Copyright remains with the young writer. Winners and runners-up will be contacted for separate permission before their story and first name with surname initial are published.
- Winners will be announced on Monday 16 November 2026. International winners will receive an equivalent book voucher where necessary.
How we use your information
Clifton Private Tutors collects the young writer’s entry details and the submitting adult’s contact information to administer and judge the competition, contact entrants and award prizes.
Entries are received in a secure Clifton Private Tutors email account and handled only by the competition organiser and service providers needed to operate the website and email. Unsuccessful entries and contact details will be deleted by 31 January 2027. Winners and runners-up will be contacted separately before anything is published.
If you tick the optional mailing-list box, we may also email you about future competitions, creative-writing opportunities and writing tuition. You can unsubscribe at any time. Choosing not to receive these emails will not affect the entry.
For questions or requests concerning your information, email ben@benjhenry.com.
Entries are now closed
Thank you to every young writer who entered The Key, and to the parents, guardians and teachers who helped them take part.
Results will be announced here on
Monday 16 November 2026.
Winners announced Monday 16 November 2026
Judged by Ben J. Henry
Ben is the founder of Clifton Private Tutors, an experienced primary teacher, English tutor and published author. Every eligible story will be read with care, with particular attention paid to originality, imagination, storytelling and the writer’s individual voice.
About Clifton Young Writers
The Clifton Young Writers Competition celebrates creativity, confidence and the joy of storytelling. It is organised by Clifton Private Tutors, helping children grow in confidence and achieve their potential through thoughtful, individual tuition.